Jeremy Cameron kicked the next goal immediately after half-time and the Saints were never a chance from that point on as their hearts sank and their supporters checked how Richmond were going as they hoped to cling to the eighth rung on the ladder.
St Kilda’s Jack Steele tackles Mark O’Connor.Credit:Getty Images
Max Holmes was outstanding on the wing as Geelong rediscovered their ball movement, while their defense led by the precocious Sam De Koning – who defeated Max King – kept the Saints goalless for the third quarter. Jake Kolodjashnij was excellent in his 150th game, with Jack Henry playing forward while Rhys Stanley stamped himself as the No. 1 ruckman.
The run of eight unanswered goals ended when Higgins kicked a goal midway through the final quarter with the margin out to 58 points at that point. St Kilda’s disappointing performance was exacerbated by an ankle injury to veteran Dan Hannebery, who may have played the final game of his career.
The biggest headache for the Cats will be at selection with Dangerfield, Selwood, Gary Rohan and Mark Blicavs all on the sidelines, with Blicavs managed while Rohan was in the concussion protocols.
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Brandan Parfitt, in just his second game back from a hand injury, found form in the third quarter as the Cats look to get their best players playing at their best in September.
St Kilda are once again in a fight to finish in the finals, with Richmond taking their place in the top eight, the Saints battling Brisbane on Friday night while Richmond play Hawthorn.
GEELONG 6.4 8.5 12.7 17.8 (110)
ST KILDA 3.0 7.1 7.4 10.5 (65)
GOALS
Gelong: Smith 3, Hawkins 3, Cameron 2, Stengle 2, Guthrie, Henry, Duncan, Close, Holmes, Menegola, Tuohy.
St Kilda: Higgins 2, Membrey 2, King, Butler, Wood, Sinclair, Steele, Long.
BEST
Gelong: Holmes, Bews, Smith, DeKoning, Kolodjashnij, Close, Stanley.
St Kilda: Wilkie, Higgins, Steele, Crouch.
umpires Stevic, Broadbent, Heffernan.
VENUE GMHBA Stadium.